The purpose of occupational therapy is to help the child achieve or maintain their maximum level of independence and to develop practical life skills so that the child can participate to his/her full potential in the home and classroom environment. This occurs in partnership with the child’s family or teacher within the child’s home or school community.
Occupational therapists work with babies and very young children, as well as school aged children, but of course the 'tasks' that a baby has to perform are very different from the leisure and work tasks that a school aged child needs to participate in. Whatever the age, occupational therapy can help children overcome physical or other difficulties in order that they can function and participate in their everyday environment.